WIPO - PCT Applicant's Guide LR - Liberia
Liberianisches Amt für geistiges Eigentum (LIPO)

    Applicable as from 1. Januar 2026
    (published on 13. November 2025)

    Summary of latest changes in this version
    RO: RO fees
    List of changes

    [MT] Nützliche Informationen zu den Ferienwohnungen

    [MT] Der PCT-Anmelderleitfaden wird fast wöchentlich mit Informationen aktualisiert, die vom Internationalen Büro eingehen.
    In case of question, please contact the Office or the International Bureau: pct.guide@wipo.int.
    [MT] Liste der in diesem Dokument verwendeten Abkürzungen :
    Office: Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO)
    LPL: Liberia Intellectual Property Act, 2016
    LPR: Administrative Regulation on Patent, 5 September 2019
    [MT] Liste der in diesem Dokument verwendeten Währungen :
    USD (US-Dollar)
    [MT] Länder und Büros Information :
    The list of acronyms used for Offices is no longer shown as it has been integrated in the mouseover functionality for each ST.3 code shown in this document.
    Refer to List of WIPO Standards, Recommendations and Guidelines formerly Annex K, List of country names and two-letter codes. It includes a list of short names and two-letter codes accepted for use in indicating States, other entities and intergovernmental organizations and their Offices in documents relating to international applications under the PCT. The list is as set out in WIPO Standard ST.3.
    Also refer to PCT Contracting States formerly Annex A.
    [MT] Büroprofil
    For more technical information about the Office, refer to ePCT Office profile.
    [MT] PCT Vorbehalte, Erklärungen, Notifizierungen und Unvereinbarkeiten
    The Office does not have any reservations, declarations, notifications or incompatibilities.
    Refer to the full list.
    [MT] Büro Geschlossene Termine
    The Office is closed weekly on Saturday and Sunday
    Additional closed dates can be consulted on the Office Closed dates page

    [MT] Internationale Phase

    [MT] Anhang B - Angaben über Vertragsstaaten oder zwischenstaatliche Organisationen

    [MT] Vertragsstaat :
    Liberia
    [MT] Zwei-Buchstaben-Code :
    LR
    [MT] Name des Büros:
    Liberianisches Amt für geistiges Eigentum (LIPO)
    Ort :
    Old Labor Ministry Building
    U.N. Drive
    Monrovia
    Liberia
    [MT] Postanschrift :
    Same as above
    [MT] Telefon :
    (231) 775 53 35 95
    [MT] E-Mail :
    liberiaindustrialproperty@gmail.com
    [MT] Website :
    None
    [MT] Fax :
    (231) 770 32 90 24
    [MT] Nimmt das Amt die Einreichung von Unterlagen per Telefax oder auf ähnliche Weise an ( Regel 92.4 PCT )?
    Ja, per Fax
    [MT] Welche Arten von Dokumenten können auf diese Weise übermittelt werden?
    Alle Arten von Dokumenten
    [MT] Muss in allen Fällen das Original des Dokuments vorgelegt werden?
    Yes, within 14 days from the date of transmission, if the transmitted document is an international application or a replacement sheet containing corrections or amendments of an international application
    No, only upon invitation in the case of other documents
    [MT] Würde das Amt bei Verlust oder Verspätung einen Nachweis über die Versendung eines Schriftstücks akzeptieren, wenn ein anderer Zustelldienst als die Postbehörden in Anspruch genommen wird ( Regel 82.1 PCT )?
    Yes, provided that the delivery service is:
    DHL,
    EMS
    [MT] Ist das Amt bereit, Anmeldern die Möglichkeit zu geben, Anmeldungen dem WIPO-Digitalzugangsdienst für Prioritätsdokumente ( DAS ) ( Regel 17.1 b - bis PCT ) zur Verfügung zu stellen?
    More information about WIPO DAS is available at: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/das.
    Nein
    [MT] Zuständiges(e) Anmeldeamt(e) für internationale Anmeldungen, die von Staatsangehörigen oder Einwohnern dieses Staates eingereicht werden:
    AP,
    IB,
    LR
    [MT] Beschränkt die nationale Gesetzgebung die Einreichung internationaler Anmeldungen bei ausländischen Ämtern?
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Zuständige benannte ( oder gewählte ) Stelle (n ) für diesen Staat :
    National protection: LR
    ARIPO protection: AP
    [MT] Arten des Schutzes, die über das PCT angeboten werden:
    National:
    Patents,
    Utility models

    ARIPO:
    Patents,
    Utility models (a utility model may be sought instead of or in addition to an ARIPO patent)
    [MT] Vom Amt akzeptierte Zahlungsarten :
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Verfügbarkeit nach nationalem Recht für eine internationale Typrecherche ( Artikel 15 PCT) :
    None
    [MT] Vorläufiger Schutz nach internationaler Veröffentlichung :
    None
    [MT] Informationen von Interesse, wenn dieser Vertragsstaat benannt ( oder gewählt ) wird
    [MT] Zeitpunkt, zu dem Name und Anschrift des Erfinders anzugeben sind:
    Must be in the request. If the data concerning the inventor are missing at the expiry of the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1)(a), the Office will invite the applicant to comply with the requirement within a time limit fixed in the invitation.
    [MT] Gibt es besondere Bestimmungen für die Ablage von Mikroorganismen und anderem biologischem Material?
    Nein
    [MT] Für ein ARIPO-Patent
    Refer to Annex B(AP)

    [MT] Anhang C - Annahmestelle

    [MT] Zuständige Empfangsstelle für Staatsangehörige und Einwohner von :
    Liberia
    [MT] Sprache, in der internationale Anmeldungen eingereicht werden können:
    English
    Number of copies required by the receiving Office if the international application is filed on paper:
    3
    [MT] Akzeptiert das Anmeldeamt die Einreichung internationaler Anmeldungen in elektronischer Form?
    Information not yet available
    [MT] Akzeptiert das Anmeldeamt die Einbeziehung durch Verweis ( Regel 20.6 PCT )?
    Ja
    [MT] Nimmt das Anmeldeamt die Einreichung von Farbzeichnungen auf informeller Basis an und übermittelt sie dem Internationalen Büro?
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Nimmt das Anmeldeamt Anträge auf Wiederherstellung des Prioritätsrechts an ( Regel 26bis.3 PCT )?
    Yes, the Office applies both the “unintentional” and the “due care” criteria to such requests
    [MT] Zuständige internationale Recherchenbehörde :
    AT,
    AU,
    CN,
    EP,
    SE
    [MT] Zuständige Behörde für die internationale vorläufige Prüfung :
    AT,
    AU,
    SE

    CN
    The Office is competent only if the international search is or has been carried out by that Office.
    EP
    The Office is competent only if the international search is or has been carried out by that Office, the Austrian Patent Office or the Swedish Intellectual Property Office (PRV).
    Fees payable to the RO:
    [MT] Übermittlungsgebühr :
    50 USD
    [MT] Internationale Anmeldegebühr :
    This fee is reduced by 90% if certain conditions apply (refer to Annex C(IB)).
    1,667 USD
    [MT] Gebühr pro Blatt über 30 :
    19 USD
    [MT] Suchgebühr :
    Refer to
    Annex D(AT)
    Annex D(AU)
    Annex D(CN)
    Annex D(EP)
    Annex D(SE)
    [MT] Gebühr für Prioritätsdokument ( Regel 17.1 b) PCT) :
    — per page of the certified copy
    5 USD
    [MT] Ist ein Bevollmächtigter vom Anmeldeamt verlangt?
    Ja
    [MT] Wer kann als Agent agieren?
    Any attorney certified by the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) and registered by the Legal Bar Association or any IP agent certified by LIPO
    [MT] Verzicht auf Vollmacht :
    [MT] Hat das Amt auf die Vorlage einer gesonderten Vollmacht verzichtet?
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Hat das Amt auf die Vorlage einer Abschrift einer allgemeinen Vollmacht verzichtet?
    Refer to the Office

    [MT] Nationale Phase

    [MT] Zusammenfassung der Anforderungen für den Eintritt in die nationale Phase

    [MT] Fristen für den Eintritt in die nationale Phase :
    Under PCT Article 22(1): 30 months from the priority date
    Under PCT Article 39(1)(b): 31 months from the priority date
    [MT] Erlaubt das Amt die Wiedereinsetzung in den vorigen Stand ( PCT-Regel 49.6 )?
    Yes, the Office permits reinstatement of rights under the “due care" criterion.
    Fee for reinstatement
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Erforderliche Übersetzung der internationalen Anmeldung in ( eine der ) folgenden Sprachen :
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    English
    [MT] Erforderliche Inhalte der Übersetzung für den Eintritt in die nationale Phase :
    Under PCT Article 22: Description, claims (if amended, as amended only, together with any statement under PCT Article 19), any text matter of drawings, abstract
    Under PCT Article 39(1): Description, claims, any text matter of drawings, abstract (if any of those parts has been amended, only as amended by the annexes to the international preliminary examination report)
    [MT] Ist unter besonderen Umständen eine Abschrift der internationalen Anmeldung erforderlich?
    Nein
    [MT] Nimmt das Amt nach seinem nationalen Recht Farbzeichnungen an?
    Refer to the Office
    [MT] Nationale Gebühren :
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    [MT] Anmeldegebühr
    400 USD
    [MT] Befreiungen, Ermäßigungen oder Rückerstattungen von Gebühren :
    None
    [MT] Besondere Anforderungen des Amtes ( Regel 51 bis PCT ) :
    If not already complied with within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1), the Office will invite the applicant to comply with the requirement within a time limit fixed in the invitation.
    Appointment of an agent if the applicant is not resident in Liberia
    Oath or declaration of the inventor
    This requirement may be satisfied if the corresponding declaration has been made in accordance with PCT Rule 4.17.
    [MT] Wer kann als Agent agieren?
    Any attorney certified by the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) and registered by the Legal Bar Association or any IP agent certified by LIPO
    [MT] Akzeptiert das Amt die Wirkung der Wiederherstellung des Prioritätsrechts durch das Anmeldeamt ( Regel 49ter.1 PCT )?
    Ja
    [MT] Nimmt das Amt Anträge auf Wiederherstellung des Prioritätsrechts ( Regel 49ter.2 PCT ) entgegen?
    Yes, the Office applies both the “unintentional” and the “due care” criteria to such requests

    [MT] Das Verfahren in der nationalen Phase

    [MT] LR.01 ÜBERSETZUNG ( KORREKTUR )
    Errors in the translation of the international application can be corrected with reference to the text of the international application as filed (refer to National Phase, paragraphs NP 6.002 and NP 6.003).
    [MT] LR.02 GEBÜHREN ( ZAHLUNGSMETHODE )
    The manner of payment of the fees indicated in the Summary and in this Chapter is outlined in Annex LR.I.
    [MT] LR.03 REPRESENTATION UND UNTERSTÜTZUNG
    LPR Sec. 7.2
    An agent must be appointed by filing a power of attorney if the applicant is not resident in Liberia. A model is given in Annex LR.II. If the power of attorney is not filed at the time of entry into the national phase, it may be filed within two months from the expiration of the time limit applicable under Article 22 or 39(1).
    [MT] LR.04 Prüfung
    LPR Sec. 11.1
    The Office will examine or provide for the examination of patent applications as to substance. A request for examination must be filed which is subject to the payment of a fee. The request shall be deemed to have been filed when the examination fee has been paid. Failure to make the request within the prescribed time limit will cause the application to lapse.
    [MT] LR.05 ÄNDERUNG DER ANTRÄGE; FRIST
    PCT Artikel 28,
    PCT Artikel 41,
    LPL Sec. 13.6(e)

    Amendments and corrections to the description, claims and drawings may be made at any time during the patent procedure before the grant of the patent provided that the scope of the subject matter of the application is not broadened thereby.
    [MT] LR.06 JÄHRLICHE GEBÜHREN
    LPL Sec. 13.12(b),
    LPR Sec. 18

    In order to maintain the patent or the patent application, annual fees must be paid in advance for each year , starting one year after the international filing date. The annual maintenance fee shall become due on the eve of each anniversary of the international filing date. A period of grace of six months shall be allowed for the late payment of the annual fee on payment of the prescribed surcharge fee which is indicated in Annex LR.I. If an annual fee is not paid, the patent application shall be deemed to have been withdrawn or the patent shall lapse.
    [MT] LR.07 WIEDERHERSTELLUNG DER RECHTE
    PCT Regel 49.6,
    LPL Sec. 13.24,
    LPR Sec. 21.1,
    LPR Sec. 21.2,
    LPR Sec. 21.3

    Reinstatement of rights may be requested where the applicant, in spite of due care required by the circumstances having been taken, failed to perform the acts referred to in Article 22(1) or 39(1)(a) within the applicable time limit. Any request for reinstatement of rights, shall be filed in writing within two months of the removal of the cause of non-compliance with the period, but at the latest within six months of expiry of the unobserved time limit. The request for reinstatement of rights shall not be deemed to have been filed until the prescribed fee has been paid. The request shall state the grounds on which it is based and shall set out the facts on which it relies. The omitted act shall be completed within the relevant period for filing the request.
    [MT] LR.08 ÜBERPRÜFUNG NACH ARTIKEL 25 PCT
    PCT Artikel 25,
    PCT Regel 51

    The applicable procedure is outlined in paragraphs NP 6.018 to NP 6.021 of the National Phase. If, upon review under PCT Article 25, the Office denies an error or omission on the part of the receiving Office or the International Bureau, an appeal against this decision may be lodged with the Office.
    [MT] LR.09 WEITERE EINRICHTUNG DES PRIORITÄTSRECHTS
    LPL Sec. 13.25
    Where the international application claims the priority of an earlier application and has an international filing date which is later than the date on which the priority period expired but within the period of two months from that date, the Office shall, upon request of the applicant and payment of the prescribed fee, restore the right of priority with respect to that international application if the Office finds that the failure to file the international application within the priority period was unintentional or occurred in spite of due care required by the circumstances having been taken. The Office shall not refuse, totally or in part, a request for restoration of the right of priority without giving the applicant the opportunity to make observations on the intended refusal within a time limit, which shall not be less than three months counted from the date of notification.
    [MT] LR.10 BERUFUNGSGRÜNDE
    LPR Sec.12.2
    The applicant may lodge an appeal against a decision of the Registrar General to the Director General within two months after the date of notification of the decision to him by the Office. No fee is required.
    [MT] LR.11 Gebrauchsmuster
    LPL Sec. 13.28
    Subject to what is said in paragraph LR.12, if the applicant wishes to obtain a utility model instead of a patent in Liberia on the basis of an international application, he shall so indicate to the office when performing the acts referred to in PCT Article 22 or 39. A utility model certificate shall expire at the end of the 10th year after the date of the grant of the utility model, and shall not be renewable.
    [MT] LR.12 Umrüstung
    LPL Sec. 13.29
    An international application for a patent may be converted into a utility model application, and vice versa, at any time before the grant or refusal of a patent or a utility model certificate. Conversion is subject to the payment of a fee which is indicated in Annex LR.I. An application may not be converted more than once.

    [MT] Anhänge

    [MT] Anhang LR.I - Gebühren
    [MT] Patente
    [MT] Gebühr für nationale Bearbeitung
    400 USD
    [MT] Publikationsgebühr
    150 USD
    [MT] Zuschlag für verspätete Zahlung der jährlichen Wartung
    30 USD
    [MT] Erteilungsgebühr für Patent
    10 USD
    [MT] Umwandlung von Patent in Gebrauchsmuster
    50 USD
    [MT] Umwandlung von Gebrauchsmuster in Patent
    50 USD
    [MT] Jahresgebühren :
    [MT] — für das 1. Jahr
    40 USD
    [MT] — für das 2. Jahr
    60 USD
    [MT] — für das 3. Jahr
    80 USD
    [MT] — für das 4. Jahr
    100 USD
    [MT] — für das 5. Jahr
    120 USD
    [MT] — für das 6. Jahr
    140 USD
    [MT] — für das 7. Jahr
    160 USD
    [MT] — für das 8. Jahr
    180 USD
    [MT] — für das 9. Jahr
    200 USD
    [MT] — für das 10. Jahr
    180 USD
    [MT] — für das 11. Jahr
    160 USD
    [MT] — für das 12. Jahr
    140 USD
    [MT] — für das 13. Jahr
    120 USD
    [MT] — für das 14. Jahr
    100 USD
    [MT] — für das 15. Jahr
    80 USD
    [MT] — für das 16. Jahr
    60 USD
    [MT] — für das 17. Jahr
    40 USD
    [MT] — für das 18. Jahr
    60 USD
    [MT] — für das 19. Jahr
    80 USD
    [MT] — für das 20. Jahr
    100 USD
    [MT] Wie kann die Zahlung der Gebühren erfolgen?
    The payment of fees must be effected in US dollar and should be made by bank draft payable to the Patent and Trade Mark account at the Central Bank of Liberia in Monrovia. All payments must give the application number (national if already known; international if the national number is not yet known).
    [MT] Formen
    The following documents are maintained by the Office. Refer to the Office website (Annex B) for latest version and other languages.
    Annex LR.II - Power of attorney
    Annex LR.III - Oath by inventor
    Current version applicable from 1. Januar 2026 , printed on 11. Februar 2026
    2.2 #71 - 2026-02-10T18:40:34.131+01:00